The Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce and the county's Republican Party have staked out opposing positions regarding a non-binding referendum on Tuesday's ballot that involves a proposed 2-percent tax on meals served at restaurants in unincorporated areas of the county.

The chamber has mounted a campaign urging voters to support the so-called hospitality tax, which would raise an estimated $3 million annually for recreation and tourism-related projects throughout the county.

In contrast, the Anderson County Republican Party's executive committee unanimously approved a resolution last month urging a 'No' vote on the referendum.

Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday's vote, Anderson County Council ultimately will decide whether to put the tax in place.

Pamela Christopher(Photo: Christy Tripp)

Pamela Christopher, the chamber's president and CEO, told council members last month that her organization is using dedicated websites, online ads and billboards to muster support for the hospitality tax and Sunday alcohol sales, which is the subject of a binding referendum that is also on Tuesday's ballot. Christopher said the chamber, the Anderson County Municipal Association, Imagine Anderson, the Western Upstate Association of Realtors and the South Carolina Retail Association are paying for the $35,000 marketing plan on both issues.

In an interview this week, Christopher said much of the money raised from the hospitality tax would come from tourists visiting the county.

"We would be crazy to let that money get away," she said. "It is about leaving a legacy for our children so we will have a better tomorrow."

The resolution approved the Anderson County Republican Party executive committee says "citizens are taxed enough already, the annual tax revenue collected by Anderson County is sufficient for all necessary county-funded operations."

Dan Harvell, former Anderson County GOP chairman who now serves on the state's Republican executive committee, speaks during an Anderson County Republican Party meeting at the Concord Community Church in Anderson on Monday.(Photo: Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail)

Dan Harvell, who represents the county on the state GOP's executive committee, said the hospitality tax would burden seniors living on fixed incomes.

"The highlight of their day is going out to eat and meeting with their friends," he said.

Doug Wright, president and CEO of Senior Solutions in Anderson, said the meals tax "may be a hardship for a few." But he also said that money from the tax would lead to a "much-needed expansion of areas where seniors can gather and exercise."

Harvell said the county GOP is relying on word-of-mouth to make its view known to voters.

County Councilman Craig Wooten, who proposed the non-binding referendum, said he is a member of the chamber of commerce and the county Republican Party.

Wooten said he plans to vote for the hospitality tax Tuesday because he believes it could create a source of revenue that would allow county officials to reduce property taxes.

If a majority of voters support the tax, Wooten said, county officials will continue discussing precisely how the money would be spent before making a final decision on the issue. If a majority of voters reject the tax, he said, the issue will probably die for now.

Asked for a prediction on Tuesday's referendum, Wooten said he thinks the hospitality tax "will fare better than people think."

With the chamber and the Republican Party taking different sides on the issue, Wooten said the referendum could be viewed as a "test of who has the ability to get out information more effectively."

Follow Kirk Brown on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM and email him at kirk.brown@independentmail.com